KATHMANDU: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has said that the Intangible Cultural Property (Protection) Bill- 2024 will provide a legal basis for the conservation, development, promotion, and transfer of intangible cultural heritages in the country.

During his address to the 44th Chinnalata Song Award Distribution Ceremony, organised by the Chinnalata Song Award Guthi here on Saturday, the Speaker expressed his hope that the Bill would help conserve, document, and promote the indigenous traditions, knowledge, skills, art, and cultural expressions of various castes, languages, religions, and communities.

He also made it clear that the Bill includes provisions for protecting the interests of the relevant communities while using cultural heritages for commercial purposes, and for legal action and penalties for violations of such provisions.

The Bill is presently under discussion in the International Relations and Tourism Committee, House of Representatives.

The Bill is expected to be significant in the conservation of endangered heritage, cultural identification, and strengthening of national unity, building of bases for listing of UNESCO, and the creation and promotion of industries and employment based on cultural tourism.

“It is a shared responsibility of both the State and society to create an atmosphere in which contributions of artists and creators are acknowledged,” he said, adding that “it is the need of the hour to instill an interest among new generations in the Nepali language, indigenous culture, music, and creations.”

“We must have commitments to formulating required policies and laying a legal foundation for the protection, promotion and development of Nepali art, literature and culture,” the Speaker said.

On the occasion , Speaker Aryal conferred the Awards on five personalities who include noted comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha, lyricist Dr Nawaraj Lamsal, music composer Kiran Kandel, and singers Bimala Rai and Sarika Ghimire.